Now many of you that keep reptiles may of heard about the Spider gene in Royals and even the Enigma gene for Leopard geckos....but how many of you are aware of the Jag gene?
The Jag gene, like that of the Spider and the Enigma is a neurological disorder within that particular morph. ALL Jaguar carpet pythons (do not let a breeder or keeper convince you otherwise) have this disorder though like with the other two, can vary in severity. For some it can be undetectable to look at them, others may only show it at times of excitement and stress (feeding being a good example) but then for the unlucky ones it can be seen in the forms of Stargazing, head wobble (which in turn may mean missed strikes at feeding) and the dreaded corkscrewing (this is where the whole body with contort into a spiraling movement and is extremely distressing for the carpet and keeper alike.). Breeding a Jag that hardly shows this defect to another carpet locality (Jag to Jag pairings are a lethal combo) does NOT mean the Jag offspring will also be low showers, they STILL will have it and the degree of it will STILL vary despite the pairing).
Siblings (a sibling is offspring that do not look or have the jag gene) from a Jag pairing however will NOT have this defect, which leads some people to believe that it is linked to the reduced patterning.
Another thing that should be noted with Jags in regards to the severity is that it can show or/and progress as the Jag ages. Those that don't or hardly show can STILL progress and worsen with age. Therefore i feel it is important that all perspective and current keepers of a jag carpet python should be aware and read up on this issue as it is not one that is spoken about freely. You need to be aware of the commitment your entering when purchasing an animal with a known disorder...I was lucky, i did my research intensively and the breeder was willing to discuss it all with me when i purchased Montana....but for those that do not know...it can be a nasty surprise waiting and a heart breaking choice when things progress to any advance stages. It will boil down to quality of life if you are unfortunate to get one with the worst symptoms.
Have i witnessed symptoms with Montana?
Yes, yes i have. Montana is fast approaching the age of two....With hardly an issue till recently, though now she has her odd funny moment of stargazing, just staring off without a care and no amount of taping on the glass will break it.
Am i prepared for if it gets worse?
Yes, Knowing what i know helps me a lot. IF she was to progress to the point that feeding was impossible and her quality of life affected to the point that she posed a risk to herself....i would do what i had to do despite how close i am too her. This may seem cold but we are, after all, responsible for these snakes, undue suffering is not something they should have to put up with for the sake of are own keeping pleasure.
This also now begs the question.....why do people breed a known defected gene??
THAT my friends, is something you have to ask them!
Just remember..despite how nice they may look....
The Jag gene is NOT cute, nor does it make the special!
When considering owning one, remember all this and whether you would be able to deal with any issues that may arise.
The Jag gene, like that of the Spider and the Enigma is a neurological disorder within that particular morph. ALL Jaguar carpet pythons (do not let a breeder or keeper convince you otherwise) have this disorder though like with the other two, can vary in severity. For some it can be undetectable to look at them, others may only show it at times of excitement and stress (feeding being a good example) but then for the unlucky ones it can be seen in the forms of Stargazing, head wobble (which in turn may mean missed strikes at feeding) and the dreaded corkscrewing (this is where the whole body with contort into a spiraling movement and is extremely distressing for the carpet and keeper alike.). Breeding a Jag that hardly shows this defect to another carpet locality (Jag to Jag pairings are a lethal combo) does NOT mean the Jag offspring will also be low showers, they STILL will have it and the degree of it will STILL vary despite the pairing).
Siblings (a sibling is offspring that do not look or have the jag gene) from a Jag pairing however will NOT have this defect, which leads some people to believe that it is linked to the reduced patterning.
Another thing that should be noted with Jags in regards to the severity is that it can show or/and progress as the Jag ages. Those that don't or hardly show can STILL progress and worsen with age. Therefore i feel it is important that all perspective and current keepers of a jag carpet python should be aware and read up on this issue as it is not one that is spoken about freely. You need to be aware of the commitment your entering when purchasing an animal with a known disorder...I was lucky, i did my research intensively and the breeder was willing to discuss it all with me when i purchased Montana....but for those that do not know...it can be a nasty surprise waiting and a heart breaking choice when things progress to any advance stages. It will boil down to quality of life if you are unfortunate to get one with the worst symptoms.
Have i witnessed symptoms with Montana?
Yes, yes i have. Montana is fast approaching the age of two....With hardly an issue till recently, though now she has her odd funny moment of stargazing, just staring off without a care and no amount of taping on the glass will break it.
Am i prepared for if it gets worse?
Yes, Knowing what i know helps me a lot. IF she was to progress to the point that feeding was impossible and her quality of life affected to the point that she posed a risk to herself....i would do what i had to do despite how close i am too her. This may seem cold but we are, after all, responsible for these snakes, undue suffering is not something they should have to put up with for the sake of are own keeping pleasure.
This also now begs the question.....why do people breed a known defected gene??
THAT my friends, is something you have to ask them!
Just remember..despite how nice they may look....
The Jag gene is NOT cute, nor does it make the special!
When considering owning one, remember all this and whether you would be able to deal with any issues that may arise.